Results

What's normal

Many women find lumps or changes in their breasts, since some of these are normal changes that occur at various points in the menstrual cycles. Finding a change or lump in your breast is not a reason to panic. Breasts often feel different in different places. A firm ridge along the bottom of each breast is normal, for instance. The look and feel of your breasts will change as you age.

When to contact your doctor

Make an appointment with your doctor if you notice:

A hard lump or knot near your underarm

Changes in the way your breasts look or feel, including thickening or prominent fullness that is different from the surrounding tissue

Dimples, puckers, bulges or ridges on the skin of your breast

A recent change in a nipple to become pushed in (inverted) instead of sticking out

Smith RA, et al. Cancer screening in the United States, 2014: A review of current American Cancer Society guidelines and current issues in cancer screening. CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians. 2014;64:30.

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